There’s are times when a meal that comes together with only a handful of ingredients, little effort and are really tasty. These Five Ingredient Magic Meals are them. No long shopping lists, no fiddly techniques—just simple, honest food that tastes like you put in a lot more effort than you actually did. I like to call it kitchen magic. And the best bit? You don’t need a chef’s pantry or hours on the clock to pull it off.
I’ve always believed that cooking at home should feel easy and rewarding, not like a chore. So I started a little challenge for myself: what can I make using just five main ingredients? (Salt, pepper, oil, and water don’t count—they’re a given!) To my surprise, some of the best meals I’ve ever made came from this very idea.
These are a few of my favourite magic meals:
Creamy Tomato Butter Pasta
This one’s a real weeknight hero. Toss hot pasta with a couple of tablespoons of salted butter, a tin of chopped tomatoes, a clove or two of garlic (grated straight in), and a handful of Parmesan. It melts together into a silky, tangy, buttery sauce that clings beautifully to every noodle. A sprinkle of fresh basil on top, if you’ve got it, takes it over the edge.
Garlic Mushroom Toasts
I always keep a punnet of mushrooms in the fridge. Sauté them in olive oil with sliced garlic, pile them on thick, toasted sourdough, and top with a fried or poached egg. That’s three ingredients doing all the heavy lifting, plus the toast and egg to round it out. It’s rustic, it’s filling, and it hits the spot every single time.
Spiced Chickpea Stir-Fry
Tin of chickpeas, bell pepper, red onion, a spoonful of curry paste, and a splash of coconut milk. Into the pan it all goes. Simmer till everything’s glossy and coated. I’ve eaten this on its own, spooned over rice, or tucked into wraps with a bit of yoghurt. It’s flexible and packed with flavour.
What I love most about cooking Five Ingredient Magic Meals is that it encourages creativity. You’re not overwhelmed by options—you’re playing with the essentials and learning how ingredients work together. A good olive oil, a splash of vinegar, or a pinch of spice can completely change the direction of a dish.
If you’re someone who opens the fridge and thinks, “I’ve got nothing in,” I promise—have another look. Five-ingredient magic meals are there waiting for you.
Got a favourite simple meal you love to make? We’d love to hear about it. The joy of less-is-more cooking.